New harrowing details from the Elbrus tragedy: they tried to warm Alma, then freezing rain started…
An alleged testimony describes illness at 5,500 m, unsuccessful calls for help and rapid deterioration of weather conditions during the descent.
New, still unofficial details have emerged about the Elbrus tragedy in which five mountaineers from Bosnia and Herzegovina died. The information is based on an alleged testimony given by one of the two surviving members of the expedition, Kemal Vidimlić.
The testimony states that the first problems occurred at around 5,500 meters, when Alma Okanović fell ill. Alma, her husband Denis and Dr. Meliha Čaušević decided to abandon the ascent and descend, while the other members of the group continued toward the summit.
The storm and inability to contact rescuers
After they had gone only a few dozen meters, the mountain was hit by a heavy snowstorm. On the way they met climbers who were descending and warned them that visibility higher up was almost zero. Then, according to the account, Kemal Vidimlić, Haris Adilović, Nermin Talam and 63‑year‑old Almir Krivdić decided to turn back.
The group rejoined, but Alma's condition deteriorated sharply. Despite attempts to warm her and provide aid, it became clear that without professional rescuers she would not survive. Haris Adilović remained with Alma, Denis and the doctor, while Vidimlić, Talam and Krivdić set off for help.
They allegedly failed to establish contact with the rescue services — messages did not go through, phone calls would not connect, so they headed as quickly as possible to the base. The weather conditions worsened further: freezing rain began, a fierce wind blew and visibility was almost zero.
According to the testimony, Almir Krivdić began to lose strength; his friends gave him electrolytes, vitamins and stimulants, but he could no longer move on his own. Nermin Talam stayed with him, while Kemal Vidimlić after nearly three hours managed to reach other climbers who took him to the rescuers. During the descent Haris Adilović lost the route, but was eventually found and rescued by members of the rescue service.
In the testimony Vidimlić said: "They died in his arms. He was with them for five hours. When he realized he could no longer do anything, he set off to save his own life" — a statement that underscores how quickly the situation deteriorated. These claims have not yet been officially confirmed by the competent authorities.
Photo: press material from the event
